These past few weeks have truly been a culmination of our efforts. We have been able to see the fruits of the spirit and witness 2 friends enter the waters of baptism.
Harry's Baptism this week was very special. After sorting through a few questions/concerns, Harry was very excited to move forward with baptism, saying "This is my big day!" After quite a bit of adjusting in the baptismal font, (He would not let go of the handrail) we told him that it would be best if when we baptize him that he sat down to be fully immersed in the water.
Upon hearing this he decided to sit down preemptively. After slightly more confusion, we were ready to move forward! Harry slowly submerged (fully) and when he came up he had quite possibly the largest smile I have ever seen! He waved to everyone that came and could not hold his excitement to himself.
The rest of the service was amazing, with many powerful testimonies. It truly was a "White Christmas".
Another event that happened this week was when (on exchanged with Elder Bailey) I left the keys inside of the apartment and locked the door. I immediately realized my mistake and quickly suggested that we call the building owner so we can get a spare key to open the door. We came to find out that the earliest a worker could get there was 3 hours later. We then called the mission office, who told us that the only people who had a spare key was the Hunts, and they were at the temple currently. The situation was not improving. We were supposed to be on our way to a referral for ASL, not stuck outside of our apartment!! I prayed that somehow we might be able to get to the lesson. As Elder Bailey called other missionaries to maybe get a ride, I remembered watching TV shows in which people had gotten into locked doors by sliding a card down the side of the door. Even though it would not likely work, I decided to try. I pulled out my Library Card and was able to slide it into the right position and pop the door open! Elated, I quickly grabbed the keys and we ran off to the car! The person who had installed the door knob had actually installed it backwards. Typically the bolt has a curve towards the inside of the house, to prevent exactly what I had just done. But thankfully someone years ago had installed it wrong.
The rest of the service was amazing, with many powerful testimonies. It truly was a "White Christmas".
Another event that happened this week was when (on exchanged with Elder Bailey) I left the keys inside of the apartment and locked the door. I immediately realized my mistake and quickly suggested that we call the building owner so we can get a spare key to open the door. We came to find out that the earliest a worker could get there was 3 hours later. We then called the mission office, who told us that the only people who had a spare key was the Hunts, and they were at the temple currently. The situation was not improving. We were supposed to be on our way to a referral for ASL, not stuck outside of our apartment!! I prayed that somehow we might be able to get to the lesson. As Elder Bailey called other missionaries to maybe get a ride, I remembered watching TV shows in which people had gotten into locked doors by sliding a card down the side of the door. Even though it would not likely work, I decided to try. I pulled out my Library Card and was able to slide it into the right position and pop the door open! Elated, I quickly grabbed the keys and we ran off to the car! The person who had installed the door knob had actually installed it backwards. Typically the bolt has a curve towards the inside of the house, to prevent exactly what I had just done. But thankfully someone years ago had installed it wrong.
The lesson we went to was fantastic! We met Jacky, our new ASL friend. She is incredibly smart and loves the stories about Jesus. After talking over a few of them, she was very happy to hear stories that she had not heard before, some from the Book of Mormon. It may be too early to tell, but we are best friends now!
We had a referral from earlier in the week, for someone who had an interest in Family History. As we acquainted ourselves with the program, we were able to explore some of the earliest records on "FamilySearch". Elder Hallsted found that he is related to "Romulus of Rome", the founder. Also for some reason, the Mythology of Romulus' story is also on "FamilySearch". Directly after Romulus, was Juno and Hera. I believe that someone must of had a sense of humor putting in those records. Regardless, the lesson was a success and we were able to motivate our new friend to continue his quest of seeking out his ancestors.
Also this week, we had a new service opportunity found by Sister Andersen and Basset. We all gathered and sang carols in a care center. As we sang, the different languages decided to all have a solo. First all of the Hermanas sang, then the Chinese Elders. Then Elder Hallsted and I led everyone in a sign language song. After the first ASL song everyone liked it enough to want to continue signing. We did so near the front of the Center and as we did, a lady wheeled up to us and looked very happy. We soon found out that she was Deaf and had had no one to talk to when she first came to the Center. She saw us signing and immediately went to talk to us. It is sometimes hard for Deaf people to find others who know ASL, so when they do they often talk for a long time, or about many topics simply because they have limited conversations with people. We will meet with her again this week and see how her Christmas is going. Maybe we can even carol to her again!!
I believe that is all of the main events this week. Of course, zone conference was amazing.
As I was interviewed by President, He asked me about the "Book of Mormon Challenge" (a mission challenge to finish the BOM before Dec 15). I told him of what I had done and how I had completed the challenge some time ago. He then asked me if I could share a 3-5 minute talk/testimony at zone conference because I had finished it. I thought he was being Rhetorical so I said "Yes! of course". He then put a star next to my name and my heart dropped. So it turns out he was completely serious and I then gave a 5 minute testimony at zone conference later that week. I was actually pretty excited to do so, but equal parts nervous. It ended up being very good and my voice did not crack!
I hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas!! But please don't forget to serve as Christ would.
Happy Holidays!
-Elder Vance
